Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder. This is a common problem that can affect both sexes but women are more commonly affected.

Urine is normally prevented from leaking by the urinary sphincter, which is a tight ring of muscle at the neck of the bladder and the support of the muscles of the pelvic floor. Voluntary passing of urine involves relaxing the sphincter and pelvic floor muscles, together with a gentle contraction of the bladder muscle.

For many women the leakage of a small amount of urine on an occasional basis is normal and does not prevent them from getting on with their lives. For other women, urinary incontinence may be serious enough to involve having to change their clothes and to avoid performing certain tasks or exercises. For these women, advice from a health professional is appropriate.